Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Yet again, the public comment portion of the agenda punctuated the Springfield city council meeting. The subjects, again, were how police treat citizens, particularly during a protest following an alleged aggravated DUI by just-retired police Sgt. Michael Egan, accused of hurting two people whose motorcycle crashed into his SUV while it made a left turn in front of them.

“The people of Springfield are no longer confused or silent,” said Breonna Roberts. “The tragedy of Sonya Massey’s murder has woken us all up. We refused to let injustice continue.

“First, I call for every charge against protesters to be immediately dropped. There is extensive video and eyewitness evidence showing that no protesters harmed any officers at any time.”

Ken Pacha said, “If you feel upset by what you saw” outside police headquarters during the protest, “I encourage you strongly to look up the definition of civil disobedience. It’s a hallmark of protesting in this country.

“We have every right to upset you. We have every right to yell at you. You don’t have to like it. I have every right to climb up on those steps hop up and start screaming as loud as I want. You can tell me to leave. You might even arrest me for causing a disturbance.”

Before the night was over, the police would be accused of being anti-citizen, and the mayor and aldermen of embezzling.